For decades, badge engineering has been a popular way for automakers to maximize the versatility and value of any given chassis or platform. The Pick of the Day is a perfect example of a car that applied a new narrative to an existing platform: a 1973 Oldsmobile Omega that shares underpinnings – and a whole lot more – with the Chevrolet Nova.
This Omega two-door sports coupe comes in a coat of red paint that is color-matched to the wheels, and features such niceties as a vinyl roof and dual exhaust outlets, according the private seller in Manheim, Pennsylvania, advertising the Olds on ClassicCars.com.
The interior is equally presentable in two-tone white vinyl and houndstooth cloth for both the front and rear benches. The listing conveys that the car drives as well as it looks: “Runs great, sounds great, drives straight, looks good.”
The Oldsmobile brand was dissolved by General Motors in 2004, but in the 1970s, Olds was on a roll with such high-performing hits as the 442 muscle car. The Omega, which debuted in 1973, was considered a compact entry and one of four models in separate GM divisions based on the X-body platform, including the Nova, Buick Apollo and Pontiac Ventura.
While the silhouettes and underpinnings of each car mirrored each other, distinctions were applied to the exterior styling, interior appointments and the drivetrain options.
During its first generation, the Omega slotted just above the Nova in the GM hierarchy. Omega body styles included a two-door coupe, three-door hatchback and four-door sedan. The nose featured a “split waterfall” design and a unique layout for the headlights and marker lights. Woodgrain interior trim was another way the Omega set itself apart from the lower-priced Nova.
Under the hood, two powerplants were available for the first-generation Omega: A 250cid inline-6 and a 350cid Rocket V8. Power for this Omega comes from the latter, and the seller believes the engine received upgrades under prior ownership – among them, a performance camshaft.
If Omega means “end,” then could this 1973 Omega – from the first model year of production – be the beginning of the end? Or the end of the beginning? Either way, it looks to be a nice example of a car that’s likely rarer today than the run-of-the-mill Nova.
The seller is asking $14,900. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Omega went on to become the second front wheel car offered by Oldsmobile which shared its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Citation.. It was an affordable alternative to the Tornado’s front wheel drive.
I had a new 73 Biuick Apollo hatchback with the v8, ps, pb, a/c – a leftover 73 after the 74’s had come out. My first new car ever! 350 v8 so detuned it may as well have been the 6!
I had a 73′ Omega that I bought used around 75′-76′.with high mileage. Great car. It was a beautiful burnt gold/orange with the color keyed wheels and a medium brown vinyl top, Got a lot of compliments , looked sharp and had the Old’s 350, NOT a “corporate” (Chevy) 350. They were detuned by then and you noticed it but it was still a pretty good car for the time.
The 350 motor had a 180 net H. P. rating. Quarter mile time was 16.8. Clean looking car but I’d rather have a Nova.
I had a ventura 1974 350 i wish i had that car now
I couldn’t sleep at nite if I had that in my drive way. It does look good… Olds Omega muscle car???
I have a 74′ nice car I love it!
I own this very car today! It was interesting to look up Omega’s and find this posting. It is an amazing example of an Omega, hence the reason why I bought it!! It has had several owners since it was restored. The original owner built an Oldsmobile engine that is not original to the car, however it is way better than original. Nowadays Toyota’s come with more horsepower than this car has, but that is not the point. It is just fun to drive!! Very few of these cars exist. Nova’s are everywhere.
I owned a 1973 Omega in Burnt Orange. Had rally wheels (also Orange) and Bucket seats. I Owned it form about 1979 to about 1984…I LOVED that car and would love to be able to find that EXACT same car again. I didn’t realize what a special car I had at the time. Buckets seats, sport outside mirrors , non hatchback, 2 door, Automatic with shifter on the floor and console….mmmmmmm. I miss her. (The car, not my ex-wife or the buyer….haha)
I sold it while I was a newly married College Student….I miss that car sorely and would love to find it again. I sold it to a female College student…from Texas?? (if my memory serves me). WE were both BYU Students….so If that car is still around…..Please let me know !!